Thursday, March 5, 2009

Trade Deadline Recap

Well Former Islanders, as usually, were centerpieces during the silly day known as the Trade Deadline. Four FIs moved places in a day that featured 22 trades and 46 players changing addresses. In other news a notable FI signed an extension after rumors swirled that he was trade bait. Let us take a look at the FI deadline day:

TRADES

Of course the talk of the day was the trade that sent Phoenix Coyotes' center Olli Jokinen to the Calgary Flames in exchange for center Matthew Lombardi, winger Brandon Prust and a 1st Round Pick. Jokinen, who had struggled with the 'Yotes, bears the unenviable distinction of being the active player with the most regular season games yet no playoff appearance with 780 games under his belt. By joining the Northwest Division-leading Flames O-Jok has all but guaranteed some playoff experience this upcoming spring. On the season Jokinen had 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) on 57 games. In those 780 games Jokinen has 503 points on 229 goals and 274 assists. The Flames will be Jokinen's fifth team after stints with the Kings, Isles, Panthers and Coyotes.

Next up, in terms of relative importance, was the trade that made winger Bill Guerin the newest FI. The Isles relatively gave Guerin away for a conditional draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins who are quickly becoming a haven for FIs (see Satan, Fedotenko, Godard). The pick could be as low as the 5th Round or as high as the 3rd Round depending on the playoff success of the Pens. It became apparent from late last week that Guerin was a goner it was just a matter of finding out who the "mystery team" was a what the return would be. Aside from that trade and the Comrie-Campoli deal the Isles were relative quiet during this trade season. A 1,168 game veteran, Guerin is on the verge of 800 career points with 799 (403 goals, 396 assists) a feat he will accomplish with his 8th team after having played with the Devils, Oilers, Bruins, Stars, Sharks, Blues and Isles.

Currently injured center Petteri Nokelainen was dealt by the Boston Bruins to the Anaheim Ducks in return for defenseman Steve Montador. The gritty Nokelainen could make an impact soon for the Ducks if he can recover from a recent eye injury. On 33 games this season with the Bs Nokey had 3 assists. A 105 game "veteran," Nokelainen has 15 points on 8 goals and 7 assists in stints with the Isles and Bruins.

As part of a package deal d-man Jamie Heward was shipped out of Tampa Bay to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Heward, who is out with a concussion, will probably not suit up for the Leafs anytime soon. The Lightning balled up goaltender Olaf Kolzig, d-man Andy Rogers, Heward and a 4th Round Pick in exchange for prospect d-man Richard Petiot. One would hope for the Lightning that Petiot lives up to lofty expectations as they gave up a bundle of scraps for this young'en. Heward has only suited up for 13 games this season with Tampa Bay notching 2 assists before succumbing to a concussion brought on by a hit by Washington superstar Alex Ovechkin. A 394 game pro, Heward has 38 goals and 86 assists for 124 points. Toronto was Heward's original team. He has worn the jersey for the Leafs, Isles, Predators, Blue Jackets, Capitals, Kings and Lightning.

SIGNING

The Buffalo Sabres, who were supposedly shopping oft-injured center Tim Connolly, ended up signing the star to a 2 year extension worth $9 million ($4.5 million per season). Connolly, who has only ever known life as an Isle or Sabre, has played well in his limited 30 games with Buffalo this season scoring 11 goals and adding 16 assists for 27 points. A 468 game veteran, TimCo has 81 goals and 187 assists for 268 career points. If he can stay healthy over the next 2 seasons, Connolly's re-signing will be a boon for the Sabres.

Check in soon as we have officially begun the final push for the playoffs here at FIW.